**Ukrainian Official Blames Russia for Plane Crash**
The head of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, has accused Russia of causing a plane crash in Kazakhstan. On December 25, a passenger jet operated by Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 people.
**Drones Attacked Russian Military Facility**
On the same day, drones attacked military facilities in Chechnya, a region in Russia. The capital of Chechnya, Grozny, was targeted, with reports of explosions and blasts heard in surrounding areas. Kovalenko claims that Russia should have closed the airspace over Grozny to prevent the plane crash.
**Investigation Underway**
The Kazakh authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, but multiple versions of events have emerged. The official preliminary report suggests a bird strike led to engine problems and an emergency landing attempt. However, video evidence suggests that the plane may have been damaged by Russian air defense systems.
**Transcript Suggests Alternate Scenario**
A transcript of communications between the flight crew and Grozny air traffic control has surfaced, indicating that initial problems began when the aircraft contacted Grozny control. The crew attempted to land in Grozny twice but was denied permission due to ongoing drone attacks. The transcript suggests that a critical sequence of events unfolded between 08:10 and 08:11:50, marked by radio silence.
**Questions Raised**
The incident location has drawn attention from investigators, with some suggesting that the plane encountered problems over an area housing military installations, including air defense systems. The Kazakh authorities emphasize that the investigation remains under their jurisdiction, but international specialists may be invited to participate if necessary.
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